Takeaways:

• The WWIA Foundation has operated for nearly 19 years, supporting combat-wounded veterans.
• Chris Diesing emphasizes the importance of creating connections among veterans through shared experiences.
• Transformations in veterans’ lives are evident as they bond over outdoor activities.
• The Bayfield Cast and Blast event combines fishing and hunting to foster camaraderie.
• Chris's dedication to honoring those who served is rooted in his family's military history.
• Guides play a crucial role in facilitating meaningful interactions and experiences for veterans.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Buskey Bay Resort- https://buskeybayresort.com/
• Northwoods Playground Cabin Rental- https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/45990242
• Dairyland Fence Company- http://dairylandfence.com/
• Whitetails Unlimited- https://www.whitetailsunlimited.com/

As our nation honors and celebrates Veterans Day, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes a very special guest to the WWIA Podcast, Mr. Michael Reagan. Michael is the eldest son of former President Ronald Reagan and Academy Award-winning actress Jane Wyman. He is the Chairman and President of The Reagan Legacy Foundation, which seeks to advance the causes President Reagan held dear and memorialize his presidency's accomplishments. He is a Syndicated Columnist, a former radio talk show host, a dynamic and sought-after public speaker, and a New York Times best-selling author. Some of his books include: On the Outside Looking In, Twice Adopted, and his latest book: Lessons My Father Taught Me.

Michael has had a distinguished and eclectic life, from debating Mikhail Gorbachev to setting world records in powerboat racing. He has spent most of his life in public service and is passionately involved with charities such as The Young America’s Foundation, and The Mixed Roots Foundation. He has helped raise over $1.5 million for charities like the United States Olympic Team, Cystic Fibrosis, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and the Statue of Liberty Restoration Fund.

Michael has been proudly married for 49 years to his wife Colleen. They have two wonderful children – a daughter Ashley, and a son, Cameron, as well as three incredible grandchildren. We are honored to spend some time with Michael and hope you enjoy getting to know more about his work, his journey, and his commitment to honoring America’s veterans and service members.

Takeaways:

• Michael Reagan discusses his father's legacy and the importance of honoring veterans.
• The Ronald Reagan Legacy Foundation supports scholarships for sailors and airmen of the USS Ronald Reagan.
• Michael shares personal stories about his upbringing and the influence of his parents.
• The significance of educating children about freedom and history is emphasized throughout the episode.
• Michael details his experiences in powerboat racing and the charitable causes he supports.
• The podcast highlights the role of small acts of kindness in honoring service members.

Links referenced in this episode:

• wwiaf.org
• reaganlegacyfoundation.org

Alaska is truly the Last Frontier, filled with expansive beauty, bountiful wildlife, and boundless adventures. Every year for the past 11 years, our Purple Heart Heroes have traveled to Seward, Alaska to partake in several days of world-class fishing, sightseeing, exploring, and more at WWIA’s Alaska Halibut Fishing event. This is a unique and unforgettable experience for our combat-wounded Veterans. On this latest episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, welcomes the Host of this stellar event, Mr. John Moline.

John is the owner of Current Affair Charters and Kenai Fjords Bed and Breakfast in beautiful Seward, Alaska, where he expertly navigates the local waters to give people an elite and memorable fishing experience. John is also a modest but outstanding cook, as he often prepares delicious meals for his guests with some of their fresh catches of the day. He is a proud veteran of the Armed Forces, having served primarily in the U.S. Navy and also in the U.S. Army Reserves. During his time in the service, he worked on electronics, communications, and navigation systems, and developed a love and skillset for fishing the coastal waters of Alaska that soon turned into a fulltime profession that has continued for more than two decades. This is an outstanding episode that we’re excited to share with you.

Takeaways:

• The WWIA podcast highlights the importance of healing and connection for combat-wounded veterans.
• John Moline, a veteran and charter captain, shares his passion for fishing in Alaska.
• The Alaska fishing event provides veterans with unforgettable memories and a sense of camaraderie.
• The podcast emphasizes the role of community support in enriching veterans’ outdoor experiences.
• John Moline discusses the significance of serving veterans and the joy of fishing.
• Listeners learn about the best fish for eating and fishing techniques in Alaska.